Pathfinder 2018

Several, although they tend to be the minority rather than the rule. Have not used them yet due to higher prices, but 35028 over the banks is seriously tempting.

 

Although Pathfinder's main line steam credentials are mainly vested in its TBEX operation, it would be doing this promoter a dis-service not to mention their involvement in recent years in some fairly illustrious steam performances on the main line.

Up to 2012, they did seem to be regularly involved in outings with 6024 and 70000, but the number and frequency of such outings was - like UKRT - probably best described as occasional. Tornado was at the time largely associated with Cathex outings, and Clan Line with Belmond.

Then in 2013, they promoted Bittern's three headlining ECML 90 mph excursions. And in 2014, the Pathfinder version of the recreation of 1964's 1Z48 run with single chimney/ two row superheat 5029 Nunney Castle. It produced a stunning 70'22'' start to stop run from EXD to BTM (load 8/290/310 and 54.5 over Whiteball), to all intents and purposes virtually matching 5043's pass to stop run the following day (65'43'') with an identical load. And then in May 2015, a breathtaking 7P performance with super-sub 70000 on the Cumbrian Fells Express in lieu of the nearly-but-not-quite-available Tornado.

Its great to see their re-engagement this year with Merchant 28 and the Cornishman, as well as the high profile S&C 50th Anniversary trips in August with Tornado. Now emerging as a parallel offering to UKRT, I don't visualise being stuck for choice of outings this year, even with VT only playing what might be described as something of a bit-part role (no offence intended - can't wait for the Shakespeares) this year on the main line.

 

They were of course responsible for steam's first preservation era attack on the Lickey with 2968 & 7325

 

Their Avon Branch Line Explorer trips were both very interesting in terms of where they went and by offering a series of short trips were rather affordable

 

Al is right; the costs of this trip in some areas are eye-watering, The Devon banks dictate this has to be a shorter formation, but 99% of the operational costs are the same as for a 13-coach load, so higher-than-usual fares have to be applied. "Clan line" will use very nearly a tenderful of coal on the trip to Par, so it will need fully re-coaling in the DBC yard there. These days of course there aren't local coal merchants nearby who can provide the correct grade of steam coal, so our usual supplier has a very long drive (spread over two days) into Cornwall. Much of the expense of coal and water provision in recent years is actually not in what's being supplied, but lorry drivers' hours and diesel fuel (calculated at 8 miles per gallon)! I have said before that the total charge for the provision of "Clan Line" is made-up of a loco hire fee (which goes into the 'pot' for the next overhaul) plus coal, water and sundries added on 'at cost'. Often these can add about 40% to the basic hire fee; for this trip it's 55%!
We all thought long and hard about whether to do this trip, but in the end decided to go for it -as Al said the first 'MN' into Cornwall is a great USP in itself. Rest assured, as usual MNLPS will work hard with our Network Rail friends to provide the best pathway possible.

 

Thanks for this. The logistics often get 'forgotten' by passengers such as myself, who just look at the price and move on.

That said, I am under no illusions as to the prestige of this trip, and shall be forgoing another tour I had in mind for July to book this week. I also understand that several of the usual suspects have already booked.

 

It helps when making a critical point about the economics of main-line steam if I actually got my maths right when converting figures into percentages!! Senior moment - or maybe primary school maths moment! What I should have said is that the additional cost of coal, water and miscellaneous unavoidable expenses typically adds about another 65-75% to the basic hire fee, but for the trip to Par it's about 115% more!

 

It's still cheaper than RTC's trips with 60103.

 

Finally mustered the finances to book this, so looking forward to June. Having mulled it over the past five weeks, it's far too good and historic a trip to miss.

 

Fancy this one myself but it's a long haul from East Kent and two nights in a hotel adds to the price.

Where does Clan Line get turned for the return at the Par end of this run please?

 

The turntable at Par? It seems to have been repaired judging by the 'Royal Duchy' trips run last year.

 

Found it thanks.

 

So on Saturday 11th August we have 3 steam charters doing the S&C, 2 of them also doing Shap:

Settle and Carlisle Golden Express - 60163. Shap up, S&C down
The Waverley - Carnforth loco, S&C both ways
50th anniversary CME - Carnforth loco, Shap up, S&C down

It should be a truly memorable day. Will we ever see anything like this happening again in our lifetimes?

 

In addition to the already-discussed Clan Line and Tornado trips, there are now two more steam-hauled trips on the Pathfinder website:

07/07 - Shrewsbury - Carmarthen with 45231
22/09 - Crewe - Holyhead with 60103

 

Interesting in many respects. Do PTR usually tie up with Riviera & DBC operationally?